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► NUS Warns Fees Review Hearing That Students Will Not Pay More for Less

2nd February 2010 8:30 am

Last Thursday the National Union of Students (NUS) challenged universities over where the massive investment they have enjoyed from students’ pockets has gone. It did so as it gave evidence to the first public hearings of the independent review of student fees and higher education funding in Manchester. The session followed cross-examination of former Education Secretary Charles Clarke over the Government's top-up fees policy.

NUS argued that universities must account for where the almost three-fold increase in funding has gone, given that student satisfaction has increased only marginally. The union also warned that a market in fees could re-open a two tier university system and, according to Government research, could limit access to non-traditional students.

Wes Streeting, NUS President said:

“Universities must be clear about where the massive investment they have enjoyed from students’ pockets has gone. Whilst fees have nearly trebled, overall student satisfaction has increased by just one per cent. Students cannot be expected to pay more for less.”

“We believe allowing different institutions to charge different fees risks providing an elite system for the few who can afford it and a second-class experience for the many who cannot."

A new report commissioned by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), The Role of Finance in the Decision-making of Higher Education Applicants and Students warns that a hike in fees and a market in fees between universities could risk further limiting the choice horizons of non-traditional students when they consider where to apply.

Wes Streeting also said:

"This Government report confirms that a hike in fees and real market in price between universities risk further limiting the choice horizon of non-traditional students when they consider where to apply. Such fee differentials could see poorer students priced out of more prestigious universities and therefore consigned to the 'bargain basement'.

"It is clear that earnings profiles for different subjects vary significantly, but it is also clear that earnings profiles vary significantly within certain subject areas. Any individual financial contribution should be based on genuine earnings after graduation and not hypothetical course prices based on unreliable and misleading estimates of earning power which amount to guess work. NUS accepts that any individual financial contribution to the costs of higher education should be based on outcomes, but these should be genuine financial outcomes."

"NUS has outlined proposals for a graduate tax system that would ensure that those who earn more after university would make a greater financial contribution whilst also delivering additional income for the sector. Such a system is both a fair and sustainable alternative for the future funding of higher education."

For more information on the review click here.

For more information on NUS click here.

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